Term | Definition |
Allergy | Hypersensitivity |
Artery | Vessel carrying blood from the heart to tissues |
Autonomic | Involuntary |
Biofeedback | Development of a person's ability to control his or her autonomic nervous system |
Bipolar disorder | Disorder in which mood swings from euphoric to depression |
Catheterization | To insert a catheter into a body structure |
Chemotherapy | Killing of cancer cells by administering antineoplastic agents |
Chiropractic | Treatment predominately by manipulation of spinal and musculoskeletal structures |
Cognitive | Thoughts or thinking process |
Comorbidity | Presence of two or more illnesses at the same time. There may be an association between the illnesses |
Compulsion | Repetitive behavior with ritualistic characteristics |
Debridement | Removal of damaged tissue to promote healing |
Decompensation | Deterioration; exacerbation of an illness or condition |
Desensitize | Lessen sensitivity by administering the specific antigen in low doses |
Dialysis | Removal of toxins from the blood by diffusing over a membrane or filter in patients with renal failure |
Disorientation | Confusion |
Doppler Study | Use an ultrasonic probe to determine blood flow |
Enteral Nutrition | Nutrients for patients with impaired ability to chew/swallow or ingest food, typically delivered by gastric or nasogastric tube |
Extracranial | Outside the skull |
Extraspinal | Outside the spine |
Gait Training | Method of restoration of balance, extremity swings, stance |
Gastroenterology | Study of the stomach, intestine, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, & pancreas |
Genetics | Study of hereditary factors |
Grandiosity | Unrealistic concept of self importance |
Hallucination | False sense of perception |
Home Care | Prescribed medical care provided in a patient's home |
Hydration | To replenish fluids |
Immune globulin | Antibodies derived from blood plasma providing short term, protection against certain infections |
Infusion | A therapeutic agent introduced into tissue, cavity or vessel, usually by needle |
Loosening of Association | Frequent change of subject, often with minimal relationship |
Manipulation | Thrusting movement to achieve realignment of joints or spine |
Modality | A therapeutic agent |
Neuropsychology | Study and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders |
On Call | Medical personnel with special training and skills available to provide services when summoned. |
Orientation | Awareness |
Orthotic | A custom made mechanical appliance used in orthopedics |
Panic Attack | Intense anxiety, often feels like loss of control |
Parenteral Nutrition | Nutrients are delivered intravenously to patients who are postoperative, in shock, or otherwise unresponsive |
Prosthetic | An artificial body part |
Psychology | Study of behavior, thoughts, feelings |
Psychotherapy | Method of treating mental disorders. Treatment may involve education, pharmacology, suggestion, and psychoanalysis |
Range of Motion | Natural movement |
Reflux | To flow backward |
Rehabilitation | Effort to restore to optimal function |
Short Term Memory | Ability to recall information for a very brief period |
Therapeutic | To promote healing |
Toxoids | Substance no longer toxic, but capable of forming antibodies |
Vaccine | Preparation (bacteria or virus) of non pathogenic material but can induce immunity to prevent disease |
Vein | Vessel that carries blood to the heart |
Venom | A poison transmitted by bites or stings |
Injection | A fluid introduced into tissue, cavity or vessel, usually by needle |